New York/Beijing
Thousands of yoga enthusiasts across the globe came together on Saturday to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), highlighting the global appeal of the ancient Indian wellness practice. From Times Square in New York to the old Parliament House in Canberra, and from Moscow to Riyadh, diverse communities marked the occasion with mass yoga sessions.
In New York, actor Anupam Kher joined over 10,000 participants for a day-long “Solstice at Times Square” celebration. At the UN headquarters, wellness expert Deepak Chopra led a guided meditation attended by 1,200 diplomats, UN officials, and yoga practitioners.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, highlighted this year’s theme: Yoga for One Earth, One Health, linking it to India’s G20 vision.
Across Europe and Asia, Indian missions hosted major events. In London, King Charles III sent a message lauding yoga’s growing popularity in the UK. In China, events drew over 1,500 participants in Beijing and many more across cities. Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore saw large-scale sessions attended by ministers, ambassadors, and citizens.
In Russia, the Indian Embassy and Moscow City Government hosted a vibrant event at VDNKH Metro. Riyadh’s celebration featured prominent Saudi yoga figures and officials. In Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s sports minister joined over 1,000 people in Central Park. In Australia, the event was held at Canberra’s old Parliament House. The celebrations reflect the expanding global recognition of yoga as a means to promote health, unity, and inner peace—values championed by the UN since declaring June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014.
